More Drum Rhythms

Introduction

So far we’ve looked at quarter notes and 8th notes. In this set of exercises we’re introducing the 16th note. 16th notes are twice as fast as 8th notes so watch out for the metronome markings! Don’t start too fast!

You’ll need Sheet Music Pack 2 to work through these exercises. Although these are marked as ‘basic’ level, that’s just because you need to understand the fundamentals of 16th notes before starting on grade 1 material. Really these cross-over from basic to grade 1 level, so don’t be surprised if these take a little while to master!

Rhythm & Rests #5 – 16th Note Rhythms (BAS013)

In this set of exercises we introduce the sixteenth note (semiquaver). A 16th note is half the length of an 8th note so you can fit twice as many in the same space of time. Before starting this exercises make sure you’ve studied the Note Lengths Part 2 – Counting Tips (BAS011) sheet so that you understand how to count these. These exercises are all played on the snare drum while using the bass drum to keep a regular quarter note pulse.

Rhythm & Rests #7 – 16th Note Drum Rhythms (BAS015)

Here we start to mix short groupings (2 x 16th notes) with longer groupings (8 x 16th notes) so that you get used to swapping between them and using them interchangeably. Again play these over and over to a metronome working on keeping perfect time with nice even rhythms.

Rhythm & Rests #8 – Even More 16th Notes (BAS016)

Finally in this set of exercises we’re looking at short groupings and long groupings mixed in with both quarter note and 8th note rests. Practice these slowly and build up to the 60bpm target. Once you’re confident at that speed take it to 80bpm and beyond. The fastest piece in the Grade 1 syllabus (at the time of writing) is 104bpm so there’s no need to go beyond that speed at the moment.